The Ship, Croydon

Occupying a High Street position near the top end of Surrey Street market is The Ship, a single bar pub with a strong music emphasis. Much bigger than it looks from the outside, it’s a pleasant pub with a long bar counter and a rather dark and dimly lit wood panelled, bare boarded interior. Down the far end are a number of framed shipping prints. The emphasis on live music is reflected in a slightly raised stage at the front of the pub by the window set up with musical instruments ( drums etc ). On the left hand side by the entrance door is an enclosed booth with a music deck which would appear to be for DJ’s or music comperes. Thankfully, on my recent Sunday lunchtime visit, a quiet subdued music free atmosphere prevailed. The pub’s website tells us that it’s in the Marstons Inns portfolio, although I don’t recollect seeing any external branding. There’s 5 handpumps which were serving Brakspears, Marstons EPA and Hobgoblin. The Brakspears ( £ 2.40p !) was in good form, but I don’t imagine there’s much real ale trade here. I’m not a big fan at all of live music in pubs, but I wouldn’t be averse to popping in here again during a music free period if the occasion presented itself

I have to disagree with the comment about the 'generally well kept' ale. I went in there recently and the Brakspears was like vinegar. And the barman wouldn't accept that there was anything wrong with it! Not really a place for the discerning drinker. I'm told that the food is good, though.

This small single room pub in the centre of Croydon used to be at the heart of the town's alternative scene, but has now lost its way somewhat following the success of the nearby Green Dragon. There are five hand pumps usually dispensing Hobgoblin and Brakspear plus others on rotation (Ringwood Fortyniner was the only other offering on my last visit). They are reasonably priced as well, with a decent pint of Hobgoblin coming in at £2.40 and although I've had the odd dodgy pint in the past, they are generally well kept. The interior tends to be very gloomy, in keeping with the goth/heavy metal clientele within, with the seats towards the back of the pub giving so little light that it's almost impossible trying to read your paper there. Service is always very good - the bar staff are very friendly and good for occasional banter. They have an eclectic taste in music too and I often find myself enjoying the tunes that are played throughout the day. I think the sign that calls this place 'The last real pub in Croydon' refers to a position it held back when the Green Dragon was a dull Hogshead and the Ship was a shining beacon for young Croydoners who were looking for something different to the Yates's, Walkabouts and Tiger Tigers that predominate the area. Not as good as good as a couple of other pubs in the town centre and not really a pub for the traditionalist, but I'd say it was worth a look if you're on a crawl or fancy rocking out for the evening.

Any pub that bills itself as 'The last real pub in Croydon' has a bit of a challenge living up to the claim and, for me, the Ship fails. It's a bit dark and dingy and perhaps my opinion was swayed by the loud and inconsiderate customers who blocked the bar and steadfastly refused to move. The Brakspears was pretty poor but I didn't think it was the sort of pub where a stranger takes back beer.